consent
gb/kənsˈɛnt/ us/kənsˈɛnt/
B1
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Permission for something to happen
When you say yes or allow something to happen.
Usage pattern:
to give [someone] consent to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'consent' with 'agreement'. While both mean saying yes, 'consent' is often more formal and used for giving permission.
Synonyms
permission (More general and common in everyday situations; 'consent' often implies formal or explicit agreement.)
Antonyms
refusal (Indicates a denial or rejection of permission.)
Collocations
give consent
|obtain consent
|with consent
|parental consent
|informed consent
Themes
law
|relationships
|daily life
Examples
- The doctor cannot operate without the patient's consent.
- Parents must give their consent before minors can travel abroad.
- She signed the form to indicate her consent.
- Without his consent, they could not publish the article.
Learner examples
- I gave my consent to the plan.
- She asked for my consent before using my photo.
- You need your parents' consent to go on the trip.
- He gave his consent to start the work.
Verb
B2
action
2
To agree to or allow something
To say yes or allow something to happen.
Usage pattern:
to consent to [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'consent' without 'to' when followed by a noun. Correct form is 'consent to [something]'.
Synonyms
agree ('Agree' is broader; 'consent' often implies formal permission or compliance.)
Antonyms
object (Means to express disagreement or opposition instead of giving permission.)
Collocations
consent to treatment
|consent to marriage
|consent willingly
Themes
law
|relationships
|daily life
|communication
Examples
- She finally consented to the interview.
- The committee consented to the proposed changes.
- He consented to help with the project after some hesitation.
Learner examples
- I consented to join the club.
- She consented to the plan.
- They did not consent to the rules.
Grammar
Dictionary form
consent
IPA
GB/kənsˈɛnt/
US/kənsˈɛnt/
Syllables & stress
con - sent (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (sent)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: consent
- Plural: consent, consents
Verb
- Base: consent
- 3rd Person Singular: consents
- Present Participle: consenting
- Past: consented
Word family
Expressions
give (one's) consent
1/ɡˈɪv wˈʌnz kənsˈɛnt/
fixed phrase
Formally allow or agree to something
To say yes in a formal way.
Examples
- The manager gave his consent for the new schedule.
- She gave her consent to use the story in the book.
informed consent
1/ɪnfˈɔɹmd kənsˈɛnt/
fixed phrase
formal
Permission given with full understanding
When you say yes after knowing all the important facts and possible results.
Examples
- The patient signed the informed consent form before surgery.
- Informed consent is required for participation in the study.
without (someone's) consent
1/wɪðˈaʊt sˈʌmwˌʌnz kənsˈɛnt/
fixed phrase
Without someone's permission
Doing something when that person has not said yes.
Examples
- They published the photo without her consent.
- No one can enter your home without your consent.